The Presidential Debate: Where was Mental Health?

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 4, 2012 During the presidential debate on Wed. night, "mental health" and "mental illness" were words never spoken by President Obama or Governor Romney.

"The oversight leaves unexplored important mental health dimensions and distinctions," said Michael J. Fitzpatrick, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

"Nationally, the unemployment rate is 8.3 percent. Unemployed workers are four times as likely to experience mental health problems—at a time when the supply of mental health services has decreased because of state budget cuts and squeezes on Medicaid."

Even in the best of times, one in four American adults experience a mental health problem in any given year.

Another word left unspoken was "parity" in which employer-paid health insurance must cover mental illness on the same terms as other conditions.

The debate did focus on broad issues or briefly touch on others important to individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Health insurance, coverage of preexisting conditions and prohibition of lifetime limits, either as they exist under current law or any repeal proposal.

Medicaid—including coverage for children with disabilities.

Education policy, including the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).

Appropriate agencies for federal job training.

"Yes, these are important issues," Fitzpatrick said. "Tell us more."

"Mental illness does not discriminate. It strikes Democrats, Republicans and independents alike. Our challenge to every voter is to study the issues closely. Look past the rhetoric. Weigh dueling numbers carefully. Apply that kind of scrutiny to every federal, state and local candidate."